Microglial activation in multiple system atrophy:: a potential role for NF-κB/rel proteins

MICROGLIAL activation is a prominent feature of affected brain areas in multiple system atrophy. Microglia express proinflammatory peptides, which may be a result of activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. We investigated the nuclear presence of RelA, the 65 kDa subunit of the NF-kappa B/RelA family in striatum and brain stem of patients with multiple system atrophy. Affected brain areas of patients with multiple system atrophy showed a marked immunoreactivity for nuclear Rel A p65, which was almost exclusively localized in activated microglia. Interestingly nuclear translocation of Rel A was not detected in striatal tissue of controls and Parkinson disease patients. Thus, NF-kappa B/Rel A complexes may play a role in mediating microglial activation in multiple system atrophy. NeuroReport 9: 3029-3032 (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.